Gear Review: Brooks Cascadia 5 Trail Runners
Good trail feel, and protection, in these trail runners.
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Gear Review: Outdoor Research DryComp Ridge Pack
A 34-liter rucksack made of waterproof 70-denier nylon fabric with a roll top closure and welded seams.
Gear Review: Sweeney's Snake Repellent
Does it work? Depends on which snake you ask.
Wild Things: Where to Spot Wildlife
If seeing bears or bighorn sheep, moose or mountain lions is on your life list check out our tips for where, when, & how to catch an eye full.
Gear Review: Do-It-All Backpacks
Whether you're going overnight or tackling a weeklong adventure, these versatile load haulers are high on comfort and convenience.
Small and Sharp: Knife Reviews
Pocket-size tools for every type of camper.
Knife Blades 101
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Gear Review: Spyderco Ladybug 3 Salt Spyderedge Knife
This little knife will never rust and is key chain small.
Gear Review: Leatherman Expanse E33T Knife
A minimalist multitool–one blade and two screwdrivers.
Gear Review: ESEE Izula Knife
Wear this knife and sheath as a necklace for quick grabbing.
Gear Review: CRKT Guppie Knife
This tiny toolbox fits perfectly in the hand.
Gear Review: Baladeo 34 Gram Knife
This long blade is great in the backcountry kitchen.
Gear Review: Leki Corklite AERGON SpeedLock Trekking Poles
Flick-lock poles that really work as promised.
Gear Review: Eastern Mountain Sports Mountain Light 20 Sleeping Bag
A three-season sleeping bag that's warm, efficient, and tough.
Grizzly Kills Hiker Near Yellowstone
U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers shoot and positively identify the responsible bear
Gear Review: Spyderco BaliYo Camp Toy & Pen
This entertaining pen is fit for a Ninja.
Bemco Backpacker 7" Deluxe Oven Kit
This lightweight camping oven can cook like a normal oven, above 14,000 feet!
Trail Chef: Baking in the Backcountry
Sometimes only a freshly baked cookie or pizza pie will do.
Gear Review: First Ascent Mountain Guide Lite Pants
The fit, the fabric, and the details make these pants shine.
Gear Review: The North Face Backpack Bivy
This "Bivy" is actually a bomber two-pole solo tent.
Gear Review: The North Face El Lobo 65
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
Gear Review: Gregory Makalu Pro 70 Backpack
A single compartment backpack that hauls big loads.
Gear Review: Millet Odyssee 60+10 Backpack
This pack moves with you.
Gear Review: Lowe Alpine Nanon 50:60 Backpack
This lightweight pack doesn't skimp on support or organizational features.
Backpacker Photo School: Grand Canyon Slideshow
Check out these pictures of the Grand Canyon!
Gear Review: GoLite Quest Backpack
Light, comfortable, and endlessly packable–this pack really does it all.
Teen Dies On Little Bear
National guard helicopter crash lands en route to rescue teen climber after fall
Sweeney's Snake Repellent
Hate snakes? This product promises to send them running.
Osprey Meridian 22" Wheeled Convertible Carry-On
The Osprey Meridian is built for active travelers who hit the trails instead of the hotel treadmill.
Where to See River Otters, Javelinas, & Manatees
Check out the top spots to find these three quirky creatures
10 Top Animal Viewing Tips
There are some fundamental rules to follow when seeking out wildlife.
Wildlife: Where to See Elk
Elk mostly travel in herds making them easier to spot.
Wildlife: Where to See Alligators
Head to the Southeast to spot alligators.
Wildlife: Where to See Mountain Lions
Mountain lions can be found from Central America to the Pacific.
Wildlife: Where to See Moose
Moose love water and hate black flies–two good tips for spotting them.
Where to See Bears
It's true that bears love their berries and fish. Find them, and you've found a great place to catch a glimpse of them.
New U.S.-Mexico Border National Park?
Both governments plan to move forward, but security woes dog the project
Wildlife: Where to See Bighorn Sheep
Scout high deserts and mountains for these scrambling sheep.
Gear Review: Osprey Meridian 22" Wheeled Convertible Carry-On
The Osprey Meridian is built for active travelers who hit the trails instead of the hotel treadmill.
Ask A Bear: Can I Cook In An RV in Bear Country?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
TRIP DOCTOR: Where Will I See The Most Big Wildlife on a Dayhike?
Want to see bears, moose, and everything in between? Our trip doctor has the hikes for you.
Can you wash a tent?
Sure you can, but it's not as simple as throwing it into the washing machine.
Gear School: Sunglasses
Protect your eyes by picking the right shades for any activity.
Dirtbag/Gourmet Recipes: Curry
Spice up your backcountry menu with this flavorful and satisfying Asian staple.
Recipe: Mango Curry with Rice and Lentils
In 20 minutes, you can have Asian in the backcountry.
Recipe: Thai Red Curry Noodles with Soy Nuts
Spice up ramen noodles with this easy Thai dish.
Beat Pack Strain
Hauling a heavy load can do a number on the neck, back, and hips. Stay pain-free with these tips.
How to Predict the Weather
Learn to identify three families of clouds and you'll be able to forecast rain, sun, and deadly storms.
June 2010 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Inspirational Grand Canyon Photos
Get lost in these spectacular reader photos of the Grand Canyon
Gear Review: Chicobag DayPack15 rePETe
A "green" daypack that fits your daily life.
Get Outside L.A.: The Big Parade
Big Parade hopes to get Los Angeles out and urban hiking
Calorie Calculator
Just how many calories did you burn on that hike?
Gear Review: Monatauk Gnat Stove
This 1.6 oz. canister stove has our tester neglecting his regular go-to stove.
TRIP DOCTOR: Backpacking the Tetons for Beginners
The perfect Grand Tetons hike is at your feet thanks to our trusty Trip Doctor.
Map Trips, Get Free Gear—Guaranteed!
Become an official BACKPACKER Map Correspondent and get free gear and an epic trip
Ask A Bear: Will Pet Hair Attract A Bear?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Ravine Long-Sleeve Shirt
A backcountry performance top that performs as good as it looks.
Keen Hood River Boot
Is it a sandal, a shoe, or a boot? Or maybe all of the above? You decide.
2011 Readers' Choice Photo Contest
Enter our 2011 "Your Best Shot" photo contest for a chance to win a Crumpler camera pack.
Watch it, Save it: Preview the Film Flathead Wild
The next best thing to hiking Glacier National Park's Flathead River Valley? Seeing the movie! Watch a trailer for Flathead Wild by the Epicocity Project.
Made Maps, Got Gear
And the winner of May's mapper contest is...
Bear Canister Reviews
We tested bear canisters in three categories: best bargain, weekend size, and big trip size.
TRIP DOCTOR: Where Should I Go Beach Camping This Summer?
There's nothing like falling asleep to waves crashing on shore. Our trip expert shares some inside knowledge on the best spots for beach camping. Don't forget your longboard.
Ask A Bear: Soap-eating Bears?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Do Gore-Tex Boots Drain?
When water comes over the top of Gore-Tex boots it can't seep out again like in regular boots, right?
Hiker Shoots Grizzly Bear in Denali
Park officials investigate self-defense claims against a threatening grizzly bear
Backpacker Photo School: Olympus Lens Reviews
Mini reviews of our favorite Olympus lenses—and a tip from Steve Howe.
Backpacker Film School Webinar and Live Training
Whether you want to make a slick family-trip memoir or a movie worthy of a film festival, shooting high-quality video takes more than pushing "record." Sign up for our webinar and our expert team will show you how to shoot like a pro.
May Maps Issue Now Online!
Check out our blowout May MAps issue, now online and free.
The Map Vault: Inside the USGS Repository
No one loves maps more than a backpacker, and the USGS's central repository in Denver is a veritable cartographic paradise.
The Future of Maps
Four cutting-edge cartographers--from Google's explorer-in-residence to Tom Harrison himself--help us chart the course of the next revolution in wilderness mapping.
Gear Review: Man-Pris
Our tester took a pair of Patagonia Borderless Messenger Shorts (a.k.a Capris) on the trail, begrudgingly. But he came back a happy man.
Camp Chores: Doing Dishes
Just like at home, there's clean-up to do after every meal in the backcountry. Here's how to get your dishes clean.
Gear Review: MontBell Ultra Light Spiral Down Hugger Thermal Sheet
MontBell's lightest sleeping bag at 13.8 ounces.
Patagonia Borderless Messenger Shorts (a.k.a Capris)
Are you man enough to wear man-pris? Our skeptical tester discovers that he is.
May 2010 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Local Hikes: Southeast
Climb to two killer views, see the South's best flowers, and hike to secluded falls. (Click linked trips for GPS waypoints, photos, and more.)
Local Hikes: Northeast
Hike across a state, gain the country's best foliage view, and top alpine balds. (Click linked trips for GPS waypoints, photos, and more.)